Radhika Yadav Tennis Player’s Dream Ends in Heartbreak

Rising tennis star Radhika Yadav Tennis Player, aged 25, was tragically shot by her father on July 10 in Gurugram. Her dreams and life cut short—this is her story.

what’s the story
Rising tennis star’s life ended at home

Radhika Yadav, born March 23, 2000, was a state and national-level tennis player from Gurugram. She’d earned an ITF doubles ranking of 113 and founded her own academy in Sector 57. On July 10, 2025, while cooking breakfast, her father Deepak Yadav confronted her after rumors of financial dependence emerged. At around 10:30 AM, he fired five licensed .32‑bore shots, hitting her three times in the back—she died instantly. This tragic event shocked India, raising tough questions about family pressure, male ego, and violence in homes.

Financial pressures
Father dependent on Rs 15–17 lakh monthly earnings

Deepak Yadav was reportedly earning Rs 15–17 lakh a month from rental properties and a Gurugram farmhouse. Despite generating his own income, villagers allegedly mocked him for being dependent on his daughter’s academy earnings. This built resentment over time. His income shows Radhika wasn’t just a player—she became primary earner. It’s like when someone in the family changes the money balance, and others struggle to adjust. In Deepak’s case, ego and societal shame collided in a tragic, deadly moment.

Academy conflict
Daughter’s independence clashed with father’s pride

Radhika started her tennis academy after shoulder injury paused her game in March 2024. Deepak objected repeatedly and asked her to stop . He saw her growing independence through coaching and social media as a threat. He admitted to police that people mocked him in Wazirabad, saying he “lived off his daughter’s earnings”. This long-standing tension led to tragedy. Radhika’s dream to mentor others became the very reason of violence—when choices upset a fragile ego, costs can be fatal.

🔎 Quick Fact Box

• 🎾 Age: 25 (DOB 23 March 2000)
• 📍 Location: Sushant Lok, Sector 57, Gurugram
• 🏅 ITF ranking: doubles #113
• 🔫 Shots fired: 5 (3 hit her back)
• 💰 Father income: ₹15–17 lakh/month

Social media buzz
Instagram reels sparked rumors, but not motive

Initial media suggested her Instagram reels or music video might’ve triggered the incident. But police later clarified the core issue was the academy conflict and Deepak’s feeling of dependence. Radhika had appeared in a music video titled ‘Karwaan’ in 2024 under LLF Records . Though social media added drama, it wasn’t the real cause. This shows how quick theories can overshadow the truth—unverified claims can deepen a tragedy’s impact online and offline.

Family tragedy
Murder happened before mother, uncle intervened

When shots rang out around 10:30 AM, Radhika’s mother was downstairs and later said she had fever and locked herself upstairs. Her uncle Kuldeep rushed up to the kitchen, found her bleeding, and attempted to take her to Asia Maringo Hospital Sector 56. But doctors declared her dead on arrival. The entire incident unfolded in the family’s double‑story home, with only immediate relatives present—a stark reminder that tragedy often strikes where we feel safest.

Investigation status
Father in custody, all motives being examined

Deepak Yadav confessed and was arrested, undergoing custody and remand hearings. FIR was filed based on Kuldeep’s complaint at Sector 56 police station. Police said they’re probing all angles, including social media, finances, and family dynamics . The investigation’s fairness matters—only thorough scrutiny can ensure justice and help prevent similar tragedies born of toxic masculinity and family breakdowns.

Community reaction
Tennis world shocked, mental health conversations rise

Radhika’s death stunned the sports community. State-level players, coaches, and fans described her as “disturbing” and “had the prettiest smile,” adding calls for better mental health support in sports. Gurugram locals voiced sorrow over domestic pressures destroying a promising life. Indian Express noted her case shines a harsh light on patriarchy, male insecurity, and domestic violence. The tragedy triggered heartfelt tributes online and opened up dialogue around family dynamics in India—highlighting that mental well-being must be a priority across our communities.

Final call
A legacy of courage calls for awareness and action

Radhika’s life and death remind us that empowerment can threaten fragile pride. Her academy, independence, and social media presence were positive steps—but clashes with patriarchal norms cost her life. As Deepak confessed, “When people said I lived off her earnings, I couldn’t handle it,” revealing how words can escalate to fatal actions. Let’s remember Radhika by supporting girls’ ambitions and prioritizing mental health. Speak up, offer help, and push for change—because no dream should end at home.

Also Read – Akash Deep Net Worth ₹41 Cr: From Bihar Dreams to IPL Fame